Cancer, one of the leading causes of deaths in the world, is a term used in referring to a group of diseases, which can affect any part of the body . There are about many types of cancers and among men, the popular ones are; lung, stomach, liver, colorectal and oesophagus while among women breast, lung, stomach, colorectal and cervical are popular.
What are the risk factors?
The risk factors include;
1. Unhealthy behaviour, which includes; smoking, unsafe use of alcohol, poor diets and physical inactivity.
2. Infections such as viral (e.g. Hepatitis B Virus, Human Papilloma Virus) and bacterium (e.g. Helicobacter pylori).
3. Environmental pollution such as air pollution (e.g. tobacco smoke, smoke from domestic coal fire), water pollution (e.g. arsenic water), food contamination (e.g. aflatoxin, dioxin).
4. Occupational hazards that involve exposure to agents (e.g. asbestos) at the workplace.
5. Exposure to radiation such as ionizing radiation, radon gas and UV.
Am I at risk?
Yes you are. From the risk factors stated above, everyone is at risk regardless of age. However, age increases the incidence of cancer.
Wow! If everyone is at risk, can one prevent or reduce the burden of cancer?
Yes you can, through preventive actions and early detection. Here are ways to prevent and detect cancer early.
Preventive actions
a) Changing unhealthy behaviour – no smoking, safe use of alcohol, including more fruits and vegetables in the diet, cutting down on; salt intake, sugar intake, red/processed meat consumption, becoming physically active.
b) Maintaining a healthy weight
c) Getting vaccinated against viral infection, avoiding unprotected sex, not having multiple sex partners, not sharing sharp objects (e.g. needles) with someone.
d) Avoiding smoking areas, using clean energy such as gas (LPG and biogas) and electricity to cook, drinking treated water and ensuring the safety of food.
e) keeping the workplace safe and observing safety rules at the workplace.
f) Using clinically tested sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding exposure to radiations.
Early Detection
g) Diagnosis: be aware of the symptoms, conduct self-examination to identify lumps, sores that fail to heal, abnormal bleeding, persistent indigestion, and chronic hoarseness, access clinical evaluation (e.g. attending health centre for tests such as mammography and Pap smear) and seek timely referral for treatment.
h) Screening: take part in screening exercise when organised by your workplace, school, religious body, community etc.
Is there a cure for cancer?
Cancers can be treated but the success of the treatment often depends on early detection and accurate diagnosis. The main goal of treatment is to cure or prolong life. Improving the quality of life of the cancer patient, which often involves palliative care or psychological support. There are specific treatments for each type of cancer. See your health professional for advice.
Always remember this acronym PDT (Prevent, Detect early and Treat cancer)
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Written and reviewed by: Irene Danquah, ANutr
Last page review: 23/12/2021
Next page review: 31/12/2024